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An In-Depth Look at Common Water Well Contaminants

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Owning a private residential well is definitely an advantage for some homeowners. Public water supply systems are protected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and must be thoroughly tested by the distributor. In contrast, private wells are not regulated. As a water well owner, you are responsible for ensuring that the water you get from your well is safe enough to be used by your household.

That said, there are a handful of common contaminants that can become an issue with a private water well. That's why it's so important to have the quality of your well water tested on a regular basis. Because you are the leading overseer of the well's maintenance, it is best to get familiar with these common well contaminants by understanding where they come from and how they should be handled.

Bacteria and Other Pathogenic Contaminants

Bacteria and pathogenic contaminants, such as E. coli, Shigella and Crypto, are worrisome because these contaminants can cause illness and disease when consumed. Bacteria and pathogens usually get into the water supply via exposure to contaminated groundwater with trace amounts of contaminated fecal matter. This can be caused by:

Flooding in the well area
Close proximity to livestock
Leaking septic or sewer systems

When water passes through the soil, it can carry these dangerous pathogenic contaminants. These pathogens can then leak into your water well and eventually come into your home. If your well tests positive for bacteria or other pathogenic contaminants, it is important to find the source of the problem. Your well may have to be cleaned or even completely relocated if testing shows a consistent problem.

Fertilizers, Pesticides and Other Chemical Contaminants

Fertilizers and pesticides are common residential agents, and you may even use some of these compounds on your own property. If you have a water well, your use of any chemical fertilizer, pesticide or other chemical product should be carefully considered. These chemicals have been linked to a long list of health problems, including certain forms of cancer.

Not only will you have to be mindful of the chemicals you use on your property, you will also need to pay close attention to the well's proximity to farmland where these agents are widely used. If the groundwater flowing into your well is also traveling through cropland, it can pick up the chemicals and feed them into your private water supply. In these situations, a private well often has to be moved to a safer location.

Heavy Metal and Element Trace Contaminants

Some areas are rich in metallic and chemical elements, such as iron and lead. In higher levels, these components are not good for your home water supply. They can pose risks to your health and be especially threatening to small children, nursing mothers and pregnant women. Some of the most dangerous elements that you should carefully monitor include:

Radon
Boron
Lead
Arsenic

If you find high contamination levels of heavy metals and trace elements, you should seek professional advice about the quality of your water. In some cases, the problem can be remedied with filtration systems and component replacements. However, it is not uncommon for a water supply contractor to recommend moving the well to avoid prolonged issues.

The quality of the water in your well has a direct correlation with the health and well-being of your entire family. That's why it is so necessary to carefully monitor your water well for contaminants throughout the year. If you need expert advice on well placement, drilling a new well or water quality, contact the qualified water supply contractors at Ortman Drilling & Water Services.

Warnings Your Water Well Needs Service

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Life in a rural area, away from the noise, distractions, and dangers of the city can be an incredibly appealing lifestyle. However, it also comes with some challenges and requires you to sacrifice some conveniences of the city. Municipal water systems benefit from professional oversight, but if you're relying on a water well, the responsibility for upkeep is yours.

Unfortunately, many people may be unaware of the steps they need to take to keep their well in the best possible shape. Not knowing or responding correctly to the warning signs can result in sudden breakdowns and supply issues that may have been avoidable.

Below, you'll find a guide to some signs which might suggest your well needs to be serviced. Watching for these warnings allows you to maintain the level of performance that you desire from your good system and can keep your well flowing for many years to come.

Sputtering Faucets

A properly maintained and functioning water well should be able to provide you with service that's comparable to any municipal system. The flow of your water well and the regulation of the water's temperature should never be in doubt. If your faucets aren't performing up to your standards and seem to sputter or add additional air before the water begins to flow, this sign could point to a serious issue.

An excess of air in your system could suggest your water well might have damage to some of the seals or potentially even a breakdown in the pump. When air is forced through the system along with water, there's likely to be an additional mechanical strain on your pump that could cause the damage to multiply upon itself. Addressing these issues every time they arise is helpful for making sure your system will remain stable.

Increased Sediment

Water drawn from a well can be incredibly clean and free of contaminants that may be introduced at a chemical processing plant. However, your good water also needs to be properly filtered to avoid introducing sediment, metals, and other potential irritants into your system. Not only can sedimentary material risk create an unsightly buildup, but it might also solidify and cause blockages which put your system under stress.

That unsightly buildup can be an important warning sign of problems within your good system. If you find yourself having to clean your tub and sinks more frequency than you're used to, the issue is likely a sign that your water source has been compromised in some fashion.

Larger pieces of sediment may even settle at the bottom of glasses of water or cause the water to turn a murky color. If that happens, you should immediately reach out for a service appointment.

Constant Pump Use

One way that your well can work to save you on your utility bills is by storing water in a tank. This storage prevents your pump from having to run every time you turn the water on. However, if your pump runs nearly every time you turn the water on, you might have a problem.

A pump that never stops running is one that consumes a great deal of energy. Make sure that you have your pump inspected to make sure it's performing optimally and isn't simply burning itself up.

Ortman Drilling & Water Services has the experience necessary to provide consistent service for your residential well. Turning to well-trained experts can give your water well support and stability and can help you enjoy your life so that you never spend a minute wishing you were back closer to the city.

What is a Geothermal Heat Pump?

Wed, 31 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Water Treatment System — Well System Engineering and Installation in Kokomo, IN

A geothermal heat pump uses heat from the ground to serve as the heat source or heat sink for a building. These pumps can boost energy efficiency and reduce utilities costs because they use the natural change in the earth's underground temperature to regulate your home. Ortman Drilling & Water Services is a well-respected geothermal heat pump installation company in Kokomo, Indiana, serving many companies and homes.

How Does it Work?

The system transfers heat to or from the ground, based on need. Though the temperatures on earth's surface and in the atmosphere may change drastically, the temperature just below the surface stays relatively the same. This means it is cooler than the air above it in the summer and warmer than the air above it in the winter.

Benefits

Geothermal heat pumps can save you money because they are not producing as much climate-controlled air and aren't expending energy cooling or heating air. They are just pumping natural air into your home. They are also more durable, which partly comes from their efficiency. They can last up to 50 years with little maintenance.

To enjoy the benefits of a geothermal heat pump, call the experts at Ortman Drilling & Water Services . We can hook your Kokomo, Indiana, home with an eco-friendly and energy-efficient climate control system. Call us at 765-459-4125 to schedule your consultation!

The Importance of Testing Your Aquifer

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Mother and Daughter — Well Cleaning and Rehabilitation in Kokomo, IN

Testing a well's water is essential for determining if the liquid is safe to consume. It needs to be done with frequency so that you are always knowledgeable about the water you are receiving.

Determining Safety

A big thing aquifer testing identifies is whether bacteria or other foreign materials are present within the water. Water may look safe to consume to the naked eye, but there could be viruses or parasites lurking within it. Only an aquifer test performed by a professional can tell if well water is safe to drink, and this testing needs to be done at least once annually.

Locating Other Problems

Changes can occur within a well over time. Even if the intended function of your well is not for human consumption, it is still important to figure out if it is still viable for what it is used for. Whether it is for irrigation or chemical spraying, you should get regular testing done to track changes and figure out if the system is still going to be viable for years to come.

Only a professional will know how to properly conduct an aquifer test and can figure out what the results mean. Contact Ortman Drilling at 765-459-4125 to find experts who can evaluate your well's water quality for you.

The Importance of Fire Suppression Systems in Your Facility

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

You need to take special precautions within your building. Although you hope they will never have to be used, it is always a wise investment to get a fire suppression system installed throughout your facility. In the event a fire does break out, you will be thankful it is there.

Protect Valuable Assets
Your facility might house certain objects that are difficult or impossible to replace if they were to be damaged by a fire. Your business might rely on certain pieces of machinery, so if something happens to those pieces, you would have to suspend operations. Museums, art galleries and other facilities that house irreplaceable items need to have protections in place to safeguard those assets.

Protect People

Additionally, you want to ensure your employees and customers are safe against anything that could happen. Fire suppression systems are able to detect a flame as soon as one breaks out, so it gets contained before it poses a significant danger. Although these systems may not be your only method of fire retardant, they are a highly useful one for containing the situation.

Do not make your facility susceptible to any damage that could be easily prevented. Install a fire suppression system if you do not have one already. Contact Ortman Drilling at 765-459-4125 to lean more about fire well systems .

How to Tell if Your Industrial Pump Needs Maintenance

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Industrial pumps are the cornerstone of some businesses and an essential tool to others. In order to minimize expensive downtime due to equipment failures, it's important to keep an eye on the condition of all your equipment. The truth is that if you have an industrial pump, you need to maintain it regardless of whether it shows any of these warning signs. You'll avoid outages and prolong the life of your machinery, plus you'll preserve value for when it comes time to upgrade.

Motor Problems

f you're having trouble with a breaker switch or even a malfunctioning timer, it's best to get a professional in for a special service call to identify the problem. That's because there are so many possible causes, it's tricky for someone without training to diagnose the problem correctly.

Cracks or Holes

Structural problems with your pump's housing are serious. That housing is made of heavy-duty materials to protect the more delicate machine components inside. Housing damage not only does damage to the structure, meaning that you're at risk for a bigger exposure, but also that the pump could be under stress that will damage its ability to perform. If any of this sounds familiar, contact Ortman Drilling at 765-459-4125 for more information from the experts.

How Hydrogeology is Employed in Well Site Evaluations

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Having your own water supply is a wonderful thing. A reputable drilling company won't bore deep into the ground and make promises about what you'll get without first doing their homework. The following will outline some of the common hydrogeological techniques used to study a site before drilling for water.

Geophysical Surveying

Using equipment to understand the layers of geology on your property help you know what to expect when digging. Sending and receiving signals can identify the presence and depth of sand, gravel and solid rock.

Pump Test Analysis

Taking a "dive" into the actual water on your site can reveal more about its capacity. Opening the ground also allows you to take a sample to test for mineral and metal content. Knowing existing water quality allows you to plan for what type of treatment you'll need to invest in.

Professional drillers live by the motto "know before you dig." To learn more about hydrogeology and how it can help you, contact Ortman Drilling at 765-459-4125 .

Advantages of Installing a Home Water Treatment System

Thu, 26 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

If your home has its own well, you're in good company. Many homeowners have enjoyed the use of their private aquifer for generations. The following are four advantages to having a water treatment system installed at your residence.

1.Better Taste

Most people prefer a taste somewhere between a limited amount of dissolved minerals and distilled. Some aquifers have metals that add an off odor and/or flavor to the product of your tap. Treatment makes the product more palatable for drinking and in your coffee, tea, soups and baked goods.

2.Softer Water

Hardness often leaves deposits on glassware and stains on laundry. It leaves stains around faucets and makes lathering more difficult in the shower. Neutralizing the hardness results in a purer H2O for all of your household needs.

3.Save Money

Regularly purchasing bottled water adds up, and it's an unnecessary expense when you have your own reliable source underground. Treating the water in your well incurs a cost of its own, but it's much more economical than buying bottles.

4.Convenience

Without needing to be home for water jug deliveries or having to go out to buy bottles in bulk, you'll save time. It can also eliminate that pile of empty water bottles that were a regular feature in your garage.

With advantages like softer water, cost savings, convenience and better taste, you really can't go wrong. To learn more about home water treatment systems, contact Ortman Drilling at 765-459-4125 .

Five Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Trying to choose a heating and cooling system for your home? If so, you should consider a geothermal heat pump. These provide a variety of benefits to you and your home that other systems do not. Here are five reasons why you should choose a geothermal heat pump:

1. They save you money in the long run.

Although they are more expensive to install, they use less energy than other systems and can potentially save you up to $1,000 per year

2. They are more durable.

Geothermal heat pumps usually can last up to 50 years or more, as opposed to about eight years for a traditional air conditioning system. They also require very little or no maintenance.

3. They are eco-friendly.

Because these systems do not use combustion, they release fewer gasses into the air, making them very environmental friendly.

4. They are more efficient.

Geothermal heat pumps get their energy from natural resources, which makes them more efficient than air conditioners and furnaces by at least 200 times.

5. They make your home more comfortable.

These systems allow for more comfort in your home than other systems do. Not only do they make very little or no noise, but they also maintain perfect temperatures and humidity during any season.

Geothermal heat pumps are an excellent way to save money while being eco-friendly. For more information about drilling for geothermal heat pumps, call Ortman Drilling & Water Services in Indiana.